Adult-onset xanthogranuloma appearing symmetrically on the ear lobes

Clinical backgrounds of patients with adult-onset xanthogranuloma are somewhat different from those of patients with juvenile xanthogranuloma, but the histologic findings of both forms of the disease are identical. The lesions of the adult form are usually asymmetric. We describe a patient with adult-onset xanthogranuloma that appeared symmetrically on the ear lobes. This case suggests a possible role for mechanical stimuli (e.g., earrings) in the pathogenesis of adult-onset xanthogranuloma.